ORECCHIETTE WITH BEANS AND MUSSELS

Orecchiette with Beans and Mussels image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup Borlotti beans (or pinto beans)
2 large cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 carrot, very finely minced
1 celery stalk, very finely minced
1 cup water
1 1/3 pound mussels
12 cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced
1/3 pound orecchiette

Steps:

Boil the beans until just tender. Season with salt, pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. Reserve.
In a heavy pot, slowly saute the garlic in the olive oil for 10 minutes. Add the carrot and celery and saute slowly for another 15 minutes.
Add 1 cup of water and reduce rapidly for 5 minutes. Over high heat, add the mussels, cover and steam until they open. Remove them, shell them, reserve them. Boil the liquid in the pot for another 15 minutes.
Mince the cherry tomatoes. Toss with fresh oregano.
Boil the orecchiette until just al dente.
When ready to serve, warm the tomato in the liquid for 1 minute. Add the beans, the shelled mussels, and the orecchiette. Toss together. Season with salt and pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.